iPhone Screen Replacement Guide
LCD vs Soft OLED vs Genuine Apple iPhone Screens
If your iPhone screen is cracked, damaged or no longer responding correctly, choosing the right replacement screen can make a significant difference to display quality, everyday use and repair cost.
Tech Titans Manchester offers several screen options depending on the iPhone model: LCD, premium Soft OLED and Genuine Apple screens where available.
This guide explains the differences so you can understand what you are paying for and choose the option that best suits your phone, budget and how you intend to use the device.
Which iPhone replacement screen should I choose?
LCD
LCD is the correct display technology for many older iPhones and can also provide a lower-cost option for certain newer models originally designed with OLED.
- Lowest-cost option
- Suitable for iPhones originally manufactured with LCD displays
- Can be useful where keeping repair costs as low as possible is the priority
- Not our preferred option for long-term use on iPhones originally designed for OLED
Soft OLED
Our preferred premium aftermarket option for iPhones originally designed with OLED displays.
- Flexible OLED construction
- Deep blacks and strong contrast
- Good colour reproduction
- Closer to the characteristics of the original OLED display
- Good balance between quality and repair cost
Genuine Apple
For customers who want to retain genuine Apple display hardware where a suitable genuine screen is available.
- Genuine Apple component
- Original display characteristics
- Highest-quality option
- Availability and price depend on the iPhone model
LCD replacement screens
It is important to distinguish between an iPhone that was originally manufactured with an LCD screen and fitting an LCD replacement to an iPhone that was originally designed for OLED.
Models such as the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 were designed by Apple with LCD displays, so using LCD technology on these devices is normal.
For an iPhone originally designed with an OLED display, an aftermarket LCD can provide a cheaper repair, but it does not offer the same display characteristics as OLED.
- LCD uses a backlight rather than individually illuminated pixels.
- Black levels and contrast are generally not comparable with OLED.
- The display assembly can differ in construction from the original OLED screen.
- It can significantly reduce the cost of replacing a damaged display.
When might we recommend LCD on an OLED iPhone? Generally where keeping the repair cost as low as possible is the main priority, for temporary use, or where the customer simply needs a working display so they can access the phone and transfer their own data.
Soft OLED replacement screens
Soft OLED is our preferred premium aftermarket screen option for compatible iPhones that were originally manufactured with OLED displays.
Unlike LCD, OLED technology does not require a conventional backlight. Individual pixels produce their own light, allowing the display to produce true blacks and stronger contrast.
The flexible construction of a Soft OLED panel also makes it closer in design to the flexible OLED technology used in many original iPhone displays.
- Flexible OLED construction
- True black levels
- Strong contrast and colour reproduction
- Good touch response
- Closer to the original display experience than an LCD conversion
For customers who want a good-quality everyday screen without paying for a genuine Apple display, Soft OLED normally provides the best balance between quality and cost.
Genuine Apple screens
For selected iPhone models, genuine Apple screen options may be available.
Depending on the model and availability, this may include new genuine components or carefully sourced genuine reclaimed screens. We will explain exactly which option is being quoted before any parts are ordered or fitted.
A genuine screen is generally the best choice for customers who prioritise retaining original Apple display hardware and intend to keep their iPhone for the longer term.
Because genuine screen availability and pricing vary considerably between models, contact us with your exact iPhone model for the current options.
Watch an iPhone screen comparison
For a detailed visual comparison of different replacement iPhone screen technologies, the video below by Hugh Jeffreys demonstrates some of the differences customers may notice between replacement displays.
Video by Hugh Jeffreys. The video remains the property of its original creator and is embedded using YouTube.
Which iPhone screen do we recommend?
There is no single screen option that is right for every iPhone or every customer.
If your iPhone was originally designed with an LCD display, a suitable LCD replacement can be completely appropriate.
For iPhones originally designed with OLED, we generally recommend Soft OLED as the premium aftermarket choice for normal everyday use. It provides a much closer display experience to the original OLED screen while keeping the repair cost below many genuine options.
If retaining genuine Apple display hardware is your priority, we can check the genuine screen options available for your particular model.
We will explain the available choices before the repair so you can decide which option best suits your requirements and budget.
iPhone screen replacement FAQs
Is Soft OLED better than LCD?
For an iPhone originally designed with an OLED display, we generally recommend Soft OLED over an aftermarket LCD conversion for normal everyday use.
Soft OLED uses OLED display technology and provides true blacks, stronger contrast and display characteristics that are closer to the original OLED panel.
Is a Genuine Apple screen worth it?
It depends on your priorities, the value of the iPhone and how long you intend to keep it. A genuine Apple screen is generally the best option for customers who want to retain genuine display hardware, while Soft OLED can provide a more cost-effective alternative on compatible models.
Will True Tone work after an iPhone screen replacement?
True Tone behaviour can depend on the iPhone model, the replacement part and the repair process. We will explain what to expect for your particular model and screen option before the repair.
Why would I choose LCD for an OLED iPhone?
The main advantage is cost. We may offer LCD where the lowest possible repair cost is the priority, where the phone only needs to remain usable temporarily, or where a working display is needed so the customer can access the device and transfer their own data.
For normal long-term use on an iPhone originally designed with OLED, we generally recommend Soft OLED or a genuine screen instead.
Do you offer Genuine Apple iPhone screens?
Genuine Apple screen options are available for selected models, subject to availability. Depending on the device, this may include new genuine components or genuine reclaimed screens. We will clearly explain the part being offered before the repair.
Does an iPhone screen replacement include a warranty?
Eligible iPhone screen repairs include a six-month warranty, subject to the usual exclusions such as accidental or physical damage, liquid damage, tampering and faults unrelated to the completed repair.
Need an iPhone screen repair in Manchester?
If you are unsure which screen is suitable for your iPhone, contact Tech Titans Manchester and we can explain the available options and current pricing for your model.
For more information about our screen, battery, charging and other iPhone repair services, visit our iPhone Repairs Manchester page.